One complaint I have is that the TMB CNC Classic version is *very* focuser-side heavy, particularly so with binoviewers. It is a real trick to balance on a half-hitch with binoviewers and I think probably at or beyond the limit of what the half-hitch can handle. I'm expecting a Nova Hitch any day now, after which I will offer a superb and lightly used Half-hitch for sale to any interested parties.

Loved my TMB classic. The only complaint I had was the focuser rotator lock was a steel screw and two steel setscrews that just bit down into the aluminum focuser body and was digging donuts in the aluminum. Needs a brass band down in the groove. Pics of the focuser/groove and focuser receiver at http://www.pbase.com...69/tmb_1008_cnc

Attached Files

Setting up for a night of observing at DAV. My observing buddy and I spent hours running down the Herschel list going back and forth between the dob and the refractor comparing views. The Meade 127ED performed REALLY well, as usual. I was surprised how many DSOs it could pull in. Jupiter and Mars were resolved nicely, but the big dob always did much better (no surprise).

Attached Files

The Latest from Star Oak Obser. on the night of the Eclipse. AP228 f 10.6 "The Pearl" And the new Photo rig, TOA 130 Glowing under the Red Moon... Actually red wall sconces!!
All your Photos are Awesome Astro People.. Love the Unitron!!
Same as my 1954 100mm Unitron Guide Scope.
(aveman Have Fun!!

Here's my new SV80ST and ES100 20mm waiting for the earth to rotate CCW a little bit more...

That's a DSV-M mount and Oberwerk Standard Wooden tripod.

Great looking setup. you sold me on getting the tripod.

Scott,I think you'll really like it. It's a solid tripod, but still carry around friendly. There are a few things I would improve. The feet are metal. Rubber would have been nice. However, in spite of the metal feet, I've experienced no vibration issues. I also wish the Y spreader was a little beefier. I feel like I have to give it extra attention when I open and close the legs, but I've had no issues with it so far. On the plus side, the tripod does comes with an integrated shoulder strap and belt and buckle that wraps around the legs for carrying. One last thing: I sit when I observe, so I've never used the tripod with the legs extended. This probably improves the rigidity and strength of he tripod. I'm sure it does great extended, too, but I wouldn't know at this point. I should try it one day just to see.

Scott,
I think you'll really like it. It's a solid tripod, but still carry around friendly. There are a few things I would improve. The feet are metal. Rubber would have been nice. However, in spite of the metal feet, I've experienced no vibration issues. I also wish the Y spreader was a little beefier. I feel like I have to give it extra attention when I open and close the legs, but I've had no issues with it so far. On the plus side, the tripod does comes with an integrated shoulder strap and belt and buckle that wraps around the legs for carrying. One last thing: I sit when I observe, so I've never used the tripod with the legs extended. This probably improves the rigidity and strength of he tripod. I'm sure it does great extended, too, but I wouldn't know at this point. I should try it one day just to see.

Thanks for the review. My aluminum surveyors tripod I use with my SV M1 looks exactly like the same design to include the straps. The wood simply looks better.